A key figure in F1 pit lanes the world over, Peter Windsor has been actively involved in the sport since the 1970s but, perhaps harshly, he is likely to be best remembered for his role in the shambolic US F1 venture. He started his career as a journalist for the long-defunct Competition Car magazine before joining Autocar in the late 70s, where he later became the motorsport editor.

In 1985 he decided it was time for a change and he joined Williams as sponsorship manager. Just before the start of the 1986 season Windsor was travelling in a car with Frank Williams when it crashed travelling back from a test at the Paul Ricard circuit. Williams, who was driving, was paralysed; Windsor escaped with only minor injuries.

A close friend of Nigel Mansell, in 1990 Windsor followed him to Ferrari as general manager but both were back at Williams team a year later, this time Windsor taking the role as team manager.

Soon he felt the media calling once more and returned to the pit lane, this time for America's Speed channel where he completed a highly popular grid-walk prior to the race. He was also moderator for the official FIA press conferences. He also held the post of grand prix editor for F1 Racing magazine and won five major awards for his writing.

In June 2009 Windsor's application to fill one of the three empty grid spots as USF1 was accepted. Although he had the experience and media savvy to cut it in the pit lane, being in joint charge of a team proved an altogether different challenge. Despite bullish announcements and denials of reports all was not well, US F1 never came close to fulfilling ambitions and the venture collapsed.